Department Head : Connie Saho

Office: 513.741.2669

English Philosophy: In our students, we develop reading and
literary
analysis skills; we train them in the standard forms of
competent, thoughtful, and creative oral and written
expression; we stress the development of language as the
essential means of expression and communication.

Courses

American Studies I and II (Year-long course)

Students will have the opportunity to study American literature and history thematically to develop an understanding of the cultural mosaic that is America.

American Studies I is taught in the freshman year and begins with a semester of intensive writing instruction. The writing section is designed to teach students how to write organized, well-developed paragraphs and compositions based from Ohio Department of Education rubrics for the Ohio Graduation Reading and Writing Tests. Students will create writing samples based from six different models that are listed in the state standards in English. Students will be able to revise final drafts of their writing for style and mechanics to 80% proficiency. The second semester of freshman year and the sophomore year will emphasize the development of the American Dream as demonstrated by the literature and history of America. Common Core English Language Arts Standards will be addressed through the utilization of thematic units. One Credit

Short Story and Non-fiction (Year-long course)

This course will use short stories primarily and additionally incorporate elements of non-fiction [i.e. speeches] to discuss literary elements including plot, symbolism, point of view, character, theme, rhetoric. Also, there will be specific focus on developing writing through use of literary criticism / analysis. Focus on thesis development, précis, and research writing will occur. The Common Core English Language Arts Standards, SAT and ACT skills, and vocabulary practice will be addressed. One credit

Classical and Contemporary Drama (Year-long course)

This course will use drama to discuss multiple literary elements including plot, symbolism, point of view, character. The course will develop writing skills outlined in the Common Core English Language Arts Standards as well as those necessary for college readiness. Writing will include significant focus on constructing arguments and analyses using textual resources and professional criticisms. Additionally, SAT / ACT and vocabulary practice and skill development will be addressed. One credit

Mythology and Fantasy (Year-long course)

This course will use mythology and fantasy constructs and writing to discuss multiple literary elements including plot, symbolism, point of view, character. The course will develop writing skills outlined in the Common Core English Language Arts Standards as well as those necessary for college readiness. Writing will include significant focus on constructing arguments and analyses using textual resources and professional criticisms. Additionally, SAT / ACT and vocabulary practice and skill development will be addressed. One credit

Reading I and II (Year-long Course)

Students may elect to take Reading I, or it may be recommended to them by their teacher or counselor. This course is for the freshman who would like to improve his reading comprehension, reading rate, study skills, and writing skills. Instruction will focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary-building strategies that help the student read and comprehend content area material more effectively. Instruction will also include test-taking strategies that will help the student be better prepared and more confident when taking standardized tests. Writing instruction will help the student to write with improved organization, clarity, and expression. This class is completed in addition to the student’s primary English course of study. One credit

College, Career and Technical Writing (Semester Course)

The goal of this course is to prepare students for writing beyond high school, with a primary emphasis on clarity and coherence. Students will prepare a student resume, write college admission essays, and explore business and technical communication. One-half credit

Research and Information Literacy (Semester Course)

Designed to take students beyond mere “googling” for information, this course will introduce advanced searching techniques, use of Boolean logic, and use of specialized resources. It will help students develop critical evaluation skills to allow them to choose the highest quality information for their research purposes. Use of online tools for citation and note taking, social bookmarking, and collaborative research, as well as information ethics will be explored. One-half credit

Science Fiction, Dystopia, and Utopia (Year-long Course)

Science Fiction, Dystopia, and Utopia focuses on teaching writing, reading, and critical thinking skills through fiction and non-fiction. Common Core Standards will be incorporated into the classroom with a primary focus on incorporating writing practice as well as developing frames of reference for how to read and analyze multiple pieces of literature. Both American and World Literature selections will be used to reach the core objectives of the classroom. One Credit

AP English Language and Composition (Year-long course)

The AP English Language and Composition course aligns to an introductory college-level rhetoric and writing curriculum, which requires students to develop evidence-based analytic and argumentative essays that proceed through several stages or drafts. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Throughout the course, students develop a personal style by making appropriate grammatical choices. Additionally, students read and analyze the rhetorical elements and their effects in non-fiction texts, including graphic images as forms of text, from many disciplines and historical periods. One credit